Faith Matters By Fr. Scott Petersen- Episcopal Priest

Jesus always cautioned "beware the Priest": You have been warned!

A month ago earth shattering news hit the cover page of Time Magazine -- Mother Theresa may have doubted! It appears that Mother Teresa had written letters to friends and confessors in which she revealed that she had not had a personal connection with Jesus for as long as 50 years!

The reality of the situation is that Mother Teresa's doubt was not a secret that had now been revealed by Time Magazine. It may not have been widely known, but it wasn't a secret either. The fact that she served so willingly in spite of her internal compass testifies to her great faith. She changed the world - DESPITE her doubt.

Faith and doubt often run together. They are not mutually exclusive. Doubt certainly is not new. I mean, newspapers (if they had existed at the time) could just have easily run the following headlines 2000 years ago: "Thomas demands an answer! Holds up talks in Upper Room.", "Peter - a scandal- responds "Jesus who?" at trial", "Paul's claims of being a Christian contradicted by prior role as persecutor of Christians." Examine the scriptures, examine Christian biographies, talk to those who testify to the faith and you will find doubt. Haven't you ever felt that way? I know I have.Doubt is not an end. Often, it is a beginning.

I even have doubts as to writing this piece. Yet, I jumped in anyway. As this is a new addition you should know what you will get from me going forward.

First, I am a priest -- that means that I support the idea that God's will can be found in the Sacraments and amongst those people who make up the 'church.' However, it doesn't mean that I believe that God's will can ONLY be known in church.

Second, I am an apologist - that means that I defend the conviction expressed in the gospels that Jesus is God incarnate. It doesn't, however, mean that I am convinced that you have to hold the same view.

Thirdly, I am human - that means that I will have doubt, joy, trouble, and faith (and they may all happen on the very same day).

I will strive to write from a position of humility -- not as an authority. May God bless you this day and if you are not in a position to recognize it, may your doubts lead you ever closer to discovering who God is.

The Rev Scott Petersen or "Fr. Scott" believes that Christianity still has something to say to us and our culture. If not, it was really dumb to have sold his house 4 years ago to go to seminary! He is a priest at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tequesta, FL. Fr. Scott and The Church of the Good Shepherd welcome you to come and discern if Good Shepherd is a good church home for you and your family. Sunday services are at 8am and 10am (Sunday School.) Contact Fr. Scott at spetersen@goodsheponline.orgwith questions, comments, or sheer adulation! The Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 Seabrook Rd, Tequesta. 561-746-4674 www.goodsheponline.org We have a place for you!